The Suburban back end door debate

[87GMCJimmy]

Gotta say this: what about a manual window crank for the tailgate??? Nobody seems to have mentioned it. I have one on my Jimmy (it's a base model, manual everything!), I even bought a NOS crank for when this one wears out. My buddy had the same crank setup on his 79 blazer as well. Seems like not too hard of a swap, just change out the tailgate guts (or swap tailgates altogether, not that hard either). It allows access from the outside without having to rely on any electrical stuff.

Though, I do still have to admit that barn doors are more reliable than even a manual window tailgate but, I don't like the view blocking center pillar and I love having a tailgate to set things on. But barn doors would be easier to add accessories to, hmm.....

and the debate rages on! LOL! :lurk:

 

[bftank]

the tailgates end up rattling apart at the spot welds. besides with the barn doors you can always add a plywood tailgate with hinges.

 

[BCHauler]

Haven't had a Suburban before, but was an Astro/Safari enthusiast (!) for many years. My van had the cargo doors and I loved everything about them exect the rear visibility. The centre door pillars would obstruct and the rear windows got dirty (and fogged up) easily, reducing visibility. I always lusted after the dutch door setup. I know the suburbans didn't come with them like the Excursions did, but I think this setup is the best of both worlds.

 

[Gregz]

I have a 98 GMC 2500 Burb. I like the tailgate, but yes with it bein lifted it can be a pain in the butt to get into. what Id like to fab up is a "step" on the side of the bumper. Id like somthing removeable, that I can keep in the back or the truck, just open the hatch, reach in and grab it, then slip it over the bumper. but id like it to mount sieways, so that I could use it if the tailgate is down., Ill play with the Idea and post pics.

 

[Piet]

I have a '99 with Barn Doors
My Buddy has a '99 with tailgate.

Barn Doors! Better access to back of the suburban, less maint issues. I am often towning stuff so rear visability is not a consideration.

Now.. the new suburbans have a lift gate. This is nice. If forms an umbrella!

 

[-->]

The tailgate would be better if you could open it like the old station wagon tailgates. As a lay down gate AND a swing out door. Then it would be the way to go. But since they don't that I know of, my vote goes for the barn doors.

 

[stewwalker]

There will be another Suburban in our house soon. So this is the first of many posts seeking your knowledge and opinion.

Barn Doors

Pro:
Fast opening
You can hang tires and gas cans on them.
??

Con:
??

Tailgate:

Pro:
It's a table.
It's a chair.
It's somewhere to stand to access a roof rack.
??

Con:
Electric window motors and wiring break and then tailgate is useless.
Takes longer to gain access.
??

Please add in the things I have missed and your opinions.

I have never seen tires or gas cans hung off of barn doors. That doesn't mean it can't be done. I like the idea. Has any one seen this?

 

[evldave]

I have never seen tires or gas cans hung off of barn doors. That doesn't mean it can't be done. I like the idea. Has any one seen this?

I did this on my Suburban. Survived a trip to Alaska, including the haul road, with no problems

 

[Loco-Nomad]

Barn doors were my choice and I loved them! They open wider than you think and I frequently hauled full sheets of plywood and other building materials with ease in loading/unloading.

 

[Zimnij Volk]

Having a truck all this time until I bought my Suburban, I'd have to say barn doors. It's so much easier to get things out. Especially if you plan on leaving the 3rd row.

 

[frumpy]

Another point to consider is if you want to pick up a pallet of something (home depot, work related, picking up parts) a normal forklift will load into barn door burb no problem, won't happen with a tailgate one.

 

[run2jc]

I love the doors.

I have an 83 K10 Suburban 4 Speed with Barn doors, I like the way they block the wind when they are open 90 degrees. I want to design a canvas cover that will convert the door space into a changing room shower.
Is it just me or do Suburbans make the best overland vehicles?
I love the space and I don't need a tent because i sleep in the back and i don't need a 10,000 dollar trailer to pull behind it.


Thanks for letting me share.:smiley_drive:

 

[neverestablished]

What years are you thinking? The 92-99 (I think??) have a separate glass that lift up, while the older ones have the glass that needs to roll down before you open it.

I just bough a 95 with a tailgate and while I would have preferred barn doors, it was the right price with a tailgate and I've grown to like it. Mine is almost stock height so thats not an issue but it is difficult to reach all the way to the back truck, I usually jump up and sit on the gate.

So I would take it into consideration how the back opens, but I wouldn't completely rule out an otherwise perfect rig.

 

[goin camping]

I've had two suburbans and both had the tailgate. I didn't choose a tailgate, they just had them.

I got a lot of use from the tailgates as a table a place to sit and as a kitchen counter. A lot of things have broken on those suburbans but never the rear window.

 

[Anlushac11]

I can tell you one thing. I have a old back injury and torn rotator cups in both shoulders. Trying to lift up the tailgate and close it today I remember vividly why I want barn doors, thought I was going to rip my shoulders out of sockets.